Sussex Letter with Logos

School of Physics and Astronomy University of Leeds Leeds, LS2 9JT United Kingdom

Professor PD Olmsted Director of Postgraduate Studies

Faith Bonner Postgraduate Administrator t: +44 (0)113 34 33839 f: +44 (0)113 34 33900 e: [email protected]

Request for letter of recommendation

REFERENCE ON BEHALF OF:

The applicant named above is applying to study for a research degree in the School of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and I should be grateful if you would provide us with a reference on the applicant’s academic and general suitability for research study. Please consider the following points: Professional/academic qualities  Is this person capable of conducting sophisticated research?  Is this person a keen analytical thinker?  Is this person a strong team player?  Is this person an independent learner? Specific skills  Strong communication skills?  Fluency in verbal and written English? Personal qualities  Does this person get along with peers? Previous academic performance  How has this person performed in their previous academic studies? Weaknesses  What are some points this person must address to advance his/her career?  How well does this person learn from past mistakes? Future potential  What do you believe this person is capable of achieving? Please complete the attached evaluation form (page 2) and write a letter of recommendation (either on page 3 or on a separate sheet) and return it directly to us as soon as possible, ideally by email.

Please return completed forms to: Postgraduate Office Email: [email protected] School of Physics & Astronomy Web: http://www.physics.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduates University of Leeds Tel: +44 (0) 133 3433830 Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT

Thank you in advance for your help. Yours sincerely

Professor Peter Olmsted Director of Postgraduate Studies. EVALUATION FORM

Name of Applicant:

Name of Referee: Phone: Title/Position: Email: Institution: Address:

Period of time worked with the applicant and relation to applicant (thesis supervisor, tutor, etc):

1. Please provide information on the applicant’s ranking in his/her class, and in relation to overall size of class/cohort (for example, 5/80 or Top 5%):

Ranking: Programme of study:

2. Please rate the candidate’s overall scientific ability and promise as a PhD student: (using a scale from 1-5, where 2 is the level you judge acceptable for a PhD student, and 5 ranks among the best students you have seen.)

1 2 3 4 5 Unacceptable Acceptable Good Outstanding Truly Exceptional

3. Please rate the candidate according to the following criteria using the same scale:

Scale (see above) 1 2 3 4 5 Unable to assess

Experimental ability

Theoretical knowledge

Creativity/originality

Analytical ability

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a team

Motivation/Commitment

Maturity

Use of English

Signature: Date:

2 LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Name of Applicant:

Please use the space below for your recommendation, or attach a separate sheet.

3 Signature: Date: